Eric Dell is President and CEO of the American Bakers Association (ABA). He leads the trade group’s mission of promoting and growing the commercial baking industry in partnership with its 375+ Members. Eric joined ABA from the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) as the organization’s Executive Vice President. During his ten-year tenure at NAMA, Eric built a best-in-class advocacy program, forged new industry partnerships, revitalized the industry trade show, and invigorated high-performing teams. A veteran of Capitol Hill, serving two stints as Chief of Staff and Counsel to Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Eric also was a practicing attorney and law clerk to the late South Carolina Circuit Judge Marc Westbrook. Eric is a South Carolina native with a degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University – Carey School of Business. Eric is actively involved in several prominent industry groups. He serves on the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Committee, participates in the Food & Beverage Issue Alliance, and is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. He also contributes to academic collaboration as a member of Kansas State University’s Grain Science and Industry External Advisory Board (EAB). As a recognized thought leader and industry voice, Eric is a regularly featured speaker at many high-profile industry events. His recent speaking engagements include AIBI Congress, iba, and the NGA Show. Beyond his professional affiliations, Eric maintains deep civic and association engagement. He is a member of the Key Industry Associations Committee (KIAC) of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and serves on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Business Council. From 2014 to 2016, he sat on the Board of Directors of the Association of Government Relations Professionals. Additionally, he is a member and former Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus.